This modern twist on the traditional Bridal Rehearsal Dinner was the brainchild of Stylist, Curator and Producer Roberta Nasser and her White Stole Couture Collection as a BridalTea Partyhappening set in the old-world elegance of the Mayflower Park Hotel in Seattle, Washington on March 11, 2018 in anticipation of the upcoming Royal Wedding.

Kelly is known in her universe of Wedding for mesmerizing and captivating views into the hearts, minds and souls of her subjects - and she did not fail our Royal Party. John is known in his universe of Fashion for stunning and jawdropping views into the hearts, minds and deep passion of his subjects - and he served glamour up on a Silver Platter to our Royal Party!

The Over-the-Rainbow results show us how the “New Royals” artfully live, upending our conventional notions of either Plain-Jane Rehearsal Dinners, or Boring Tea Parties…and take us into the rarefied world of Celebratory Luxe. As any “Special Wedding or Evening Gala Event” should! ​Upon viewing this series of stunning images, one might ask ‘Who here is the Bride!?” because each woman’s look reigns supreme unto itself, and is capable of taking center stage at the party.

That, my dear, is precisely the point!

See if you can choose!

Watch ourblogfor full Coverage of our photoshoot's celebration of the Royal Wedding Day!

ViewWhite Stole’sentire collection for size and color ranges of Stoles, Shawl and Foulard Wraps, Vintage Stoles, and Cape Boleros for purchase, or rental, on our website.

White Stole has written about our embrace ofYves Saint Laurentas a Couturiercelebrated for his invitation to women to‘dress to express herself through clothing.’

Without question,Saint Laurentliberated our sense of style and invented a modern look that suited contemporary women’s status in society then…and now. But what is most treasured byWhite Stole’s Curators of Stole Style is his embrace of theStole, Shawl, Scarf, Cape and Bolero Accessory,

A critical moment inYves Saint Laurent’scareer was his first evening dress design at the beginning of the Autumn-Winter 1955 collection for theCouture House of Dior. This design of a black dress, draped with a white scarf worn by a woman astride two elephants in the now-iconic photograph byRichard Avedon, Dovima with Elephants,caused the sensation that would launchSaint Laurentto his iconic status we recognize today.

Later, his Parispink silk satin draped bodice with large bow atop black velvet skirt, created in 1983, paid homage to his ability to add the kind of design focal point that made him beloved the world over.

After discovering Morocco in 1966, Saint Laurent expanded his palette into what became a strong element of his style with the explosion of intense colors and the varied hues of traditional garments worn in the Medina. From black, which he considered a real color, to the exploration of a broad colorful palate, and particular love of pink and blue, Saint Laurent’s sensitivity to color is noticeable in every aspect of his style.

As lovers of Couture, we applaudSaint Laurent’s use of costume jewelry, which was the most inventive in the history of fashion and followed the themes of each of his collections. The importance granted to the Accessory- the Stole, Cape, Bolero, Shawl, ScarfandJewelry -established the Saint Laurent look and prefigured the contemporary era. White Stole especially admires how Saint Laurentadvised women without means to wear a very beautiful accessory over a simple skirt, a black sweater, and boots.

Together, we are swept into a full embrace of Saint Laurent’s praise ofStoles, Capes and Bolero Wrapsin the video footage of the1998 World Cupsoccer finals that contributed to the creation of Saint Laurent’s mythic persona. This outsized retrospective fashion show at the Stade de France offered him the opportunity to present haute couture to a truly global audience as stunned fans and viewers from all over the world watched three hundred models walk the runway on the floor of the stadium to the music of Ravel’s Bolero.

In the photos White Stolehas carefully curated from the retrospective of that runway show preserved by theFondation Pierre Berge – Yves Saint Laurent, The Perfection of Style,we witness thatSaint Laurentavoided the over-designed approach of many traditional haute couture garments. Instead, Saint Laurent focused attention on the beauty of the cut rather than superficial ornamentation – proving that the simplest dress can be more spectacular when brought to life with the perfect “Accessory.”

White Stole celebrates the Stole, Shawl, Cape and Bolero heritage created in all fabrics, materials and textures for us bySaint Laurent,and hopes you enjoy our favorite photos posted here for your pleasure.

It was aWhite StoleLas Vegas ceremony! And she brought several Silk SatinShawl Wedding Stolesto celebrate the Glitterati Wedding history of many of our favorite Divas from Old Hollywood to New. Famous and fabulous women from Judy Garland, Rita Hayworth, Joan Collins and Patty Duck as well as Mary Tyler Moore, Mia Farrow and Demi Moore have been swept into the starlight under the influence of getting to this iconic little white chapel setting in Las Vegas "on time." And so did White Stole….on their big Wedding Photoshoot day! Whether you choose to marry and hold your Wedding Photoshoot at a star-studded space like The Little White Chapel, a Historic City Center, a Family Vineyard, an English Manor’s gardens, an Island Beach Resort or Urban Ballroom, we are sure you will want your Wedding Album filled with photos taken at an idyllic setting, complete with memorable attire and decorations to match your theme, and warm your nostalgic heart in the years ahead. There’s always a wedding somewhere in the world, and with all the choice the White Stole Collection offers those devoted to handmade, hand-silk-screened, heritage luxury goods, everyone from Brides and their entourage to Wedding Guests alike can find the perfect luxe Stoleto get excited about.We’ve got you all wrapped-up in Love with colors as white as your purity, ruby-red as your heart, or brilliantly-pasteled in floral, graphic, ethereal, or silky-cool gold and diamond embroidered Stole and Wrappieces. And for Vintage-Inspiration, our natural toned Fur Stoles will warm your heart as you melt in his arms!Simply choose from one of our favoriteValentino or Leonard, ParisSilk SatinShawl or Stole Wrap Collection, or our Vintage Rental Stole Collections.These iconic brands’ graphic collections feature rich embroidery and color blocking to add superb styling to timeless essentials, all with a decidedly cool Modern Wedding flare!View White Stole’s entire collection for size and color ranges of Stoles, Stole Wraps, Vintage Stoles, StoleCapes, Shawls and Veiled Bridal Hair Accessories for purchase, or rental, on our website.

Any glamorous RetroWedding Themewouldn’t be remarkable without a quintessentialBridal Wrap that makes your look stunningly complete. So, White Stole thought it only appropriate to thank all of their adoring Pinterest fans who have so carefully chosen and rated these curatedICONIC couture looks as their ﻿FAVE PINSfrom ﻿White Stole's Pinterest Pageover the years by posting them altogether here, in one spot, for your viewing pleasure!

It is said thatBeauty is Self-Preservingbecause what we fall in love with, we protect. We all want to be on the journey to inspiration. And every fashion-minded, Chic woman knows that taking the best looks from the past and bringing them forward not only protects, but projectsthe best sides of our fashionable selves....yesterday and today!

Take a peek and take-charge of your own CoutureChic by using these gorgeous 40's, 50's and 60's Vintage Photos to bring excitement for more posts to come from White Stole…and inspiration for how you can synthesize, rev-up and create your own Wedding or Evening Wear look wearing a Stole– whether Couture or Vintage – from the White Stole Collection.

Warmer days bring straplessBridal Gown Styling…and a perfect opportunity for you to think about flirty, around-the-shoulder silhouettes and Statement Accessories for instant Chicat an Evening Wedding in the City. Style “topped” with…. an Evening Wrap!

Our Seattle Bride infuses her signatureJe Ne Sais Quoistyle into her glamorous look with a simple-but-chic, lightweight Silk Stole cover-up as sunset winds down into moonlight. A long Stole - many inches longer and wider than a typical scarf - is the workhorse of the accessories world. Use it to shield your décolletage from the sun during the day, to bring your most seductive mood into your photoshoot, and as that extra layer when the sun fades into evening moonlight.

If you're attending a City Wedding this summer or just planning on taking an urban Night-Out-On-The-Town, a Silk Stole from White Stole is the key piece you need to look stylish and be prepared for the temperature all weekend long - without over-packing. And, Have-And-Hold as a Momentoforever-after!

Whether traveling to a Destination Wedding across town, across state or across-country, heavy luggage reallyisn’t necessary. Packing a few versatile pieces you can wear multiple times is the difference between going ﻿In﻿ Style…and going without!

A 1940’s depression-era Bride may have worn her Sunday best suit with a military air to be married at the Courthouse, or perhaps made herself a simple off-white, ivory or beige dress she designed from furnishing fabrics with Gibson or mutton sleeves that billowed at the top and tapered to fit below the elbow. She may have made her Veil, too, from lace curtains worn on top of swept-up hair, and carried a flower bouquet made from paper due to war-time rationing. A wealthier '40’s Bride may have danced the Jitterbug at her wedding to the sounds of a Big Band in a borrowed Wedding Gown that featured netting or the hint of the first “sweetheart” shaped neckline and corseted waist made of rayon, or sometimes silk. But as the era turned the corner to the 1950’s, the influence of Christian Dior’s “New Look” hour-glass dress with it’s flowing skirts made of yards of cloth set the stage for Bridal Wear.

The '50’s Brides are seen encircled in lace or cutwork, overskirts and puffed sleeves, and yards of transparent gauze or satin inspired by the billowing, luxe skirt, tight-waist and barely visible “sweetheart neckline” of the gown that Grace Kelly wore in 1956to wed Prince Rainier of Monaco, or by Elizabeth Taylor’shour-glass Wedding Gown.

The lifting of rationing on fabric allowed women to celebrate their figures with hoop skirts, crinolines and other full-skirt techniques to emphasize the waist and “pointed bosom” bodice. French lace was the rage as post-war lace began to be manufactured again, bringing back tiers of Chantilly Lace and flouncy frills to the skirts of Wedding Gowns.

Audrey Hepburn equally influenced Bridal Wear in 1954 with her “Modern Princess” look in a ballerina Tea-Length Lace Wedding Dress with sleeves and few embellishments. Gloves became the standard fashion of the '50s, with fingerless bridal gloves made of tulle, lace, or satin.Shorter, flutter hemlines led to shorter veils and many gowns were designed with layered materials, three-quarter or long sleeves, upstanding gothic style collars, or to be worn as strapless evening gowns after the wedding.

Coordinating flowing or opaque Stoles or Lace Boleros worn on top of a strapless dress for coverage at the wedding became popular at the end of the decade as dress lengths moved from floor-length to ankle-length, and dropped hemlines and scooped necklines appeared.

The 1950's was a decade defined by decorum, elegance, and etiquette. Traditional, classic wedding receptions featured Wedgewood china, white roses, cut glass, and silver on damask cloths. Wedding cakes, often displayed under a floral arch, were styled with popular motifs from the era, like poodles.

In life, there just simply are certain garments we want to wear in the most beautiful moments of our lives. And in the world of Formal Wear, Valentinois a brand that follows both elegance and practicality…thanks to its secret ingredients that have maintained touch with the trends that influence Gala Fashion all over the world. Season after season each collection is more amazing than the last. At the same time, it’s evident that designs by Valentinoalways follow traditional style and taste, which will always rise to the top.

The polished elegance of Stoles, Capes, Shawlsand Bolero Wrapsthat dominate Valentino's Runwayat every Fashion Week prove to all of us that in every season, and in every fabric, whether lace, fringe, fur or sheer silk, Valentino's designers celebrate the flawless in women's true nature. The extraordinary House of Valentinobreathes inspiration from all women across the globe. Whether shy, extroverted or romantic, Valentino designsare famous for creating gowns and accessories of elegance for everyone to dress their own personality without ever neglecting refinement and originality.

Either a sheer, blackEmbroidered Laceor Fur-Trimmed Lace Valentino Gown, or an ivory Lace-Caped Valentino Gown, such as the ones pictured here, exude pure elegance. White Stole sees starlight when we look through the lace peep-holes in these gowns! Equally elegant is the embroidered detailing and accents that present in the double-sided, luxurious "Sophisticated Lace Dream" Silk Twill Shawl Wrap by Valentinoin theWhite Stole Collection, giving it the UltraLuxe vibe you are seeking for any Wedding, making it easy to pair with a chic evening gown, glamorous heels or a beaded clutch. For extra bonus, move the tie to a front shoulder, so your collarbone will definitely get noticed!

Simply choose from one of our favorite Valentino or Leonard Paris Silk Satin Stole Wrap Collections. These iconic brands’ graphic collections feature rich embroidery and color blocking to add superb styling to timeless essentials, all with a decidedly cool downtown flare! Whether buying for yourself or for someone in your wedding party, wrap-up these luxe classics for a very stylish holiday season.

We have seen them on last year’s runways, but again in 2014 the world’s top Bridal Collections are truly outstanding with their renewed emphasis on elegance…and theStole: irreplaceable for the Bride who wants to feel like a fairy Princess on her “I do” day.

Reserved for true dreamers, this“Must-Have”accessory gives a royal touch to the wedding - a Princessly allure that each of us look for on the big day. An elegant detail, light and sinuous, capable of enchanting a Bride’s guests during her triumphant walk down the aisle. Short or long, the Stole is present in all variations, Silk Chiffon, Silk Satin, Silk Cashmere, Silk Twill, Silk Tulle, Silk Lace,in white, pastel, black or bold colors, floral and graphic patterns fastened with or without the adornment of a broach. Extremely light, theSilk Chiffon Stole, in particular, lends an elegant touch that gives fluency to the bride’s every movement unlike any other fabric or accessory - whether draped over neck, shoulder or arm, or tied in the back and draped forward over the shoulders. For the Modern Bride, the sky’s the limit on her style choices ofSilk Stoles!

Even more sophisticated, is the Silk Stole with ﻿Lace Embroidered﻿patterning, or in the form of a Vintage Tulle. The Stole becomes an essential accessory for every respectable bride, useful to hide necklines, and, when the time is right, reveal them and enjoy the party. Truly infinite are the combinations of materials for those who are always chilly and love sheer covering over a strapless gown as they move from church to reception or dining room, or across a ballroom floor. From the sheerest Chiffon to Silk-Cashmere blends to Tulles that give soft volume and silhouette, the Stole’stransparence and delicacy enriches the shoulders with grace and elegance.

It is well- known that the details in your wedding accessories make the difference! Viva La Difference~!

In the nuptial spirit, White Stole has compiled a collection of quintessential Brid﻿eand Guest-﻿of-the-Bride Silk Wraps we encourage you to take to heart....and shoulder…as these are the Wraps you’ll want to never take off! Treating your Silk Wrapas the new neutral that it is, this accessory is one that goes with everything - especially now as mixed prints are back in high-style.

Whether you are going to aCountry, Garden, City, Glam or Island Resort Wedding, if you are in need of a luxe bauble that will serve as a ‘Thank You’Gift for your bride or bridesmaids, look no further than the chic, luxury-approved curation White Stole has spent hours putting together for you.

The unexpected set of Italian hand silk-screened, inspired colors and designs in the White Stole Silk "Gift" Stole Wrap Collectionwill rock any bride and her bridesmaids past the ceremony and on into her lifetime. We have picked the perfect presents for your bridesmaids or best-friend that will be cherished - and used - forever!

It goes without saying that your wedding gown is a reflection of your style. But where is it a written rule that your Wedding Gown and Accessorieshave to be entirely ivory, antique white or optic white? At White Stole, we love the old adage “rules are meant to be broken“ - especially when it comes to Wedding Dresses and their Accessories!

Although we love a classic strand of pearls, we flock like moths to light towards out-of-the-box Accessories and accessory trends. Since your wedding day will be the most photographed event of your life, we wish for you to be absolutely sure that you dress exactly how you dream of feeling on your perfect day.

You can be both ClassicandOne-Of-A-Kindby wearing metallic champagne, a pale soft hue in gray, beige or blue, a pretty blush pink - and as many already have, red or black - with the perfect Luxe Accessory to compliment. Women who wear black and ivory in it's many shades with dazzling Accessories are simply stunning! In fact, these colors are preferred in a cocktail or tea-length for casual weddings.

While a Stole Wrap is usually rectangular, offering more width and length, the"Sophisticated Lace Dream" Cape Shawl is more square in shape, offering extra width for a fuller, more extravagant envelope of the silhouette. In all settings, Cape Shawl Wraps are used today to keep warm, for added fashion to complement attire, and for symbolic reasons at outdoor or indoor evening affairs where the temperature is not warm enough for women in sheer or off-shoulder dresses and where a jacket is inappropriate.

White Stole’s photoshoot of the"Sophisticated Lace Dream" Cape Shawl by Valentino in magnetic black embroidered lace on beige Silk Twill is a stunning example of the lush look of color set against a minimal ivory or black gown, making the view maximally exquisite!

As a summer day dips into twilight in our more temperate climates, the chill in the air beckons after sundown for anEvening Stole Wrap that will offer light covering and warmth, yet still be suitable for wedding gala festivities where a jacket would certainly not.

Those of us who run more warm-blooded might have wrapped ourStolesas a Sasharound our waists, necks or elbows and left them to drape behind us throughout the reception and on into evening’s dancing.

In any and all stylish cases, the ever-popular Evening Stole WrapandEvening Shawlcome in many different forms, sizes and price ranges. Stoles of silk, silk satin, chiffon, organza or similar sheer materials are meant to provide a bit of warmth, though Fur StolesandEvening Shawls,the latter of which are often knitted, clearly provide more. TheSilk Stole Wraphas historically been paired with an evening gown or dress. These Silk Stole Wrapsfor evening are typically finished with a simple hem on either end, exuding elegance in being both light and sheer. Some individuals prefer to pair their Evening Stole Wrap with more casual fashion skirts and dresses since the Evening Stole Wrap will launch any attire into an elegant look for evening when teamed with dressy heels and accessories.

Triangular knit Lace Shawlsare usually knitted from the neck down and may or may not be shaped. ﻿Faroese Lace Shawls﻿historically are knitted bottom up and contain a center back gusset. Each shawl consists of two triangular side panels, a trapezoid-shaped back gusset, an edge treatment, and usually shoulder shaping.

On top of warmth, an EveningStole Wrapis often worn to show off a particular fabric, like silk satin, or fur. The major difference between Stoles and Shawls lies in the size, and the material. Stolesare usually rectangular, offering more width and length than a Scarf, while Shawls are more square in shape, offering extra width for a fuller, more extravagant envelope of the silhouette.

The first Shawls, or "Shals,"were part of traditional Persian costume in Achaemenid Persia worn by both males and females. Shawls were also part of the traditional costume in Kashmir, India, which was probably introduced via assimilation to Persian culture. They were woven in extremely fine woolen twill, some such as the ﻿Orenberg Shawl﻿, were even said to be so fine as to fit through a ring.

Kashmiri Shawlscame in two classes: they could be loom-woven in one color or in different colors (called tilikar or tiliwalla), and woven in one piece but more often sewn in small segments that are imperceptibly sewn together; or they could be ornately woven and embroidered (called ameli or amlikar). in which an intricate and elaborate pattern is stitched on top of plain pashmina wool.

Kashmiri Shawlsas high-fashion garments were brought to Western Europe in the early- to mid-19th century. Imitation Kashmiri Shawls woven in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland are the origin of the name of the traditional paisley pattern. Shawls were also manufactured in the city of Norwich, Norfolk, England from the late 18th century (and some two decades before Paisley) until about the 1870s. TheKashmiri Shawlsfrom Asia maintained a pre-eminent place the world-over for their beauty and quality, particularly the Lightweight Wool Shawls, delicate Silk Shawls, and more sturdy Wool Shawls, however, it is due to their western imitations that Shawls took Europe by storm, replacing fibers like cotton and linen, thereby making it one of the most important accessory pieces in garment history.

The Kashmiri Shawlis characterized by the elaboration of its design, in which the "cone" pattern is a prominent feature, and by the glowing harmony, brilliance, depth, and enduring qualities of its colors. The basis of this richness is found in the very fine, soft, short, flossy under-wool, called pashm or pashmina, found on the shawl-goat, a variety of Capra hircus inhabiting the elevated regions of Tibet. There are several varieties of pashm, but the finest is a strict monopoly of the maharaja of Kashmir. India. Inferior pashm and Kirman wool - a fine soft Persian sheep's wool - are used for shawl weaving at Amritsar and other places in the Punjab of India, where colonies of Kashmiri weavers are established.

Kashmiri Shawlsreached their widest and most universal appeal in the West due to Napoleon’s conquests in Egypt and his alleged gifts of Shawls to Josephine, that galvanized their notoriety.

Silk Shawlswith fringes, made in China, were available by the first decade of the 19th century. Ones with embroidery and fringes were available in Europe and the Americas by 1820. These were called China Crepe Shawls, China Shawls, and in Spain " Mantones de Manila"because they were shipped to Spain from China via the port of Manila.

While the importance of Embroidered Shawlsin fashionable women's wardrobes declined between 1865 and 1870 in Western culture, they became part of folk dress in a number of places including Germany, the Near East, various parts of Latin America, and Spain where they became a part of gypsy dress - especially in Andalusia and Madrid. These Embroidered Shawls were revived in the 1920s under the name Spanish Shawls, a named derived from their use as part of the dress of Spanish Gypsies, also known as Gitanas. Their use as part of the costume of the lead in the opera Carmen contributed to the association of the Shawls with Spain rather than China.

Shawls are used today to keep warm, for added fashion to complement a costume, and for symbolic reasons at outdoor or indoor evening affairs where the temperature is not warm enough for women in sheer or off-shoulder dresses where a jacket might be inappropriate.

We have seen them on the runways, but of all the elements within designers’ bridal collections, it is the Stole in it’s many forms that is truly outstanding. Alongside the traditional Veil, the Stoleis irreplaceable for the bride who wants to feel like a fairy princess on her “I do” day.

This “must-have” gives a royal touch to the wedding - a princess allure that each of us look for on our big day. An elegant detail, light and sinuous, capable of enchanting our guests during the triumphant walk down the aisle. Short or long, the Stole WraporStoleCapeis present today in all variations, from tulle, lace, organza, and chiffon, in white, pastel, or stunningly bright colors. Extremely light, the Stole lends an elegant touch that gives fluency to the bride’s movements.

More sophisticated is theStole Wrapin embroidered or appliqued lace. TheStole Wrapbecomes an essential accessory for every respectable bride, useful to conceal jaw-dropping necklines or shoulders, and when the time is right, to uncover them and be able to enjoy the party. Truly infinite are the combinations of materials, from cashmere-silk blends for those who are always cold, to tulles that give soft volume to figures, to chiffons and silk satin for the most luxurious touch.

Reserved for true dreamers is the transparent and very delicate silk chiffon Stole Capethat enriches the shoulders with see-through grace and elegance. It is well- known that the details make the difference in elegance itself.

The elegant inspiration of a flowing Stoleas a ﻿formal wrap of expensive fabric wrapped around the shoulders over a long dress or ballgown, created from silk or natural fabric, and of a length long enough to be draped across either shoulders, or around arms or neck has survived in all cultures throughout the ages. ﻿

A Stole Wrapis typically narrower than a Shawl,and of simpler construction than a Stole Cape, and is typically worn loosely around the shoulders. Lighter materials such as silk and chiffon are simply finished or cropped, hemmed and bound. Heavier materials such as fur and brocade are typically lined. A SilkStoleis essentially a small version of a ladies’ Stole, made of silk. Though these garments or accessories aren’t always made of silk, they are typically manufactured with similar quality fabrics.

A Stolecan also meana fur or set of furs. For formal wear, a finished length of fur using pelts from more than one animal is worn over a suit, dress or gown. In this case, the word Stole stands alone or is used in combination: Fur Stole, Mink Stole. A Stole is typically narrower than a Cape or Wrap. TheFurStoleis kept fastened and held together at the front of the collar. Unlike a Silk StoleorShawl, which is wrapped loosely around a lady’s shoulders and occasionally the neck, a FurStoleis manufactured to fit the body more snugly

Similar to aShawl,the StoleCape typically uses more material length and covers more of the upper body. Also occasionally referred to as a Stole Wrap,theStole Cape is likely to be found in a wide array of materials and colors, but the most common type ofStole Cape is typically made of fur. Some popular dressy styles of Stole Capes might include ostrich feathers, marabou, or other material. The feathers can come in various colors, although black, brown and white are generally the most commonly seen.

In addition to making an elegant fashion statement, all types of Stoleshave been used to show respect while in a church or in a formal setting, such as for a Wedding, where it might be inappropriate to display bare shoulders or a low-cut gown.

Historically, Stoleswere considered ceremonial dress worn for special occasions or at formal events such as weddings, coronations, graduations, parades, religious rites and galas. Besides the Wedding Dress, throughout history the formal dress code of ceremonial dress has included the Ermine-lined Cloak,Crown and Septer of a King or Queen, Tribal Dress, Suit of Armor, Military Dress, Liturgical Robe, Graduation Gown, and Robe and Wig worn by British judges. The Stoleas an ecclesiastical vestment consisted of a narrow strip of silk or other material worn over the shoulders or, by deacons, over the left shoulder only, and arranged to hang down in front to the knee or below. The Stoleas a long robe was worn by the matrons of Ancient Rome.

The lithograph plate posted here showing a variety of ways of wearing shawls in early 19th-century France (ca. 1802-1814), is redrawn from various early 19th-century sources by Durin forAlbert CharlesAuguste Racinet's Le Costume Historique (1888),and shows the myriad, exquisite ways the Silk Stole Wrap has been worn over the ages.

From the 1960's and beyond, among the “Fun and Flirty” looks that new Bridal Fashion has adopted is the Statement Dress, Tee Shirt Gown, Top Hat and Tails, the Caftan, Native American and the Palazzo pant. With all,the preference for wearing Silk has remained the fabric that most completely brings out the Romantic Heart of a woman.

An ethereal vision…the Silk Chiffon Shawl blowing in the wind strikes a magical pose with its muted tones of dark and sky blue, chartreuse green and purple accented with gold. For the daring bride, a printed shawl can be something new, inventive, bold or simply a soft and whispered statement of beauty. Set against endless blue, the blues and greens of White Stole's "Gisele" Shawl almost trumps the sky itself.

Universally, “knots”in the origin of the wedding ceremony with its centuries of tradition, have had a place in the folklore of many cultures as a symbol of unbreakable pledges.

Historically, the knot as the symbol of a lasting unity dated back to the Legend of St. Katherine, circa 1225, where the Middle English word “enotte”, or ‘knot,’ was used to mean "the tie or bond of wedlock."From that point ‘To tie the knot’as an expression came to mean getting married.

The costume of the bride is the pivotal image that sets the theme for the event itself. The design of the gowns and their "Stole Wrap" accessories, floral arrangements, and decorations symbolize the tying of the knot custom, representing the bonds of marriage.

Historically, the bride would arrive at the altar with an untied shoe, and the groom would tie the lace. Knots were tied in the bridal bouquet with a fabric or silken cord or within silk garmentsas part of the ceremony.﻿ In Italy, a knotted ribbon is tied over the entrance to the reception, within bouquets and Bridal Wraps, and in the frosted pastries tied in knots which are served to symbolize the Love Knot.

The wedding ceremony, with its origins in centuries of tradition, has evolved out of legend, and the many “taken for granted” sayings associated with it.

“Something old”traditionally has symbolized the link with the bride’s family and the past. “Something new”has stood to inspire optimism and hope for the new life ahead. “Something borrowed” has stood as a token from someone happily married whose good fortune in marriage may carry-on to the new bride and remind her of history that precedes her. And, over the centuries, “Something blue” has become part of the tapestry that is “The Wedding.” In ancient Rome, brides wore blue to symbolize love, modesty and fidelity. Before the late 19th century, blue was a popular color for wedding gowns, bringing about the saying “Marry in blue, lover be true.” These ancient beliefs and practices are pivotal images that the curators at White Stole have put their whole hearts into. While our beloved Vintage Stoles stand as a heritage piece that brings to the wearer good luck from the past, our couture Silk Wrap Stoles offer themselves to you as a keepsake and treasured momento of the most special day in your life.

Any study of fashion can not be separated from women’s fashion history and an understanding of the beginnings of Haute Coutureliterally meaning “high-quality sewing.” Paris had been the center of couture since the 19th Century when couture was transformed from a craft into business, and high art.

Women’s fashion had been put on ice during WWII from 1939 to 1944. During the occupation of Paris in 1940, many fashion houses were forced into war-related industries. The progress of the war made it necessary to prohibit all superfluous material and labor. America followed Britain in clothes rationing with L85 restrictions, promoting the approved” Victory Suit”with its narrow styling as being more practical and patriotic.

The Allied Nations were at a loss when Paris fell because they had looked to Paris as the World Capital of Fashion since the 17th Century. Despite materials rationing on both sides of the Atlantic, some 20 Parisian couture fashion houses violated the wartime silhouette during this time and continued to produce approximately 100 models per year – primarily for wealthy collaborators or for export to Germany. From Designers to Apprentices, the French declared they had fought to keep Parisian Couture alive because it represented a Parisian industry of prime importance, a means of employment…but most importantly, because it preserved Haute Couture in the eyes of the world.